Why hire someone with a disability?
It’s likely you already employ someone living with disability. Nearly 4.4 million people, or one in five Australians, live with some form of disability. Up to 90 per cent are invisible or hidden, so you may not be aware of the number of people living with disability in your workplace.
The only thing that distinguishes someone living with a disability in the workplace is that they may need some form of modification or adjustment to help them do their job to the best of their ability.
We all deserve equitable opportunities to reach our potential through participation in the workforce. But many still experience barriers to employment, despite having a range of skills and capabilities.
atWork Australia works with thousands of people every day to help overcome these barriers by acting as the bridge to employers, advocating on their behalf and starting conversations about adjustments or modifications that will help that individual succeed. We know that businesses find the benefits of employing someone with a disability well worth it. They have access to the best talent pool possible and reap the rewards of employing a diverse workforce.
To read a transcript of this video, click here. See why you should hire someone with a disability today.
“Hiring an individual living with disability, I have found is very refreshing in that we have candidates who come to us who are work-ready, they are very dedicated and they are absolutely keen to work. So, there isn’t an issue with regards to reliability. I would recommend it to any organisation.”
Stacey, Director, Goddess Cleaning Group
Support
Empower
Celebrate
What are the benefits of employing a person living with a disability?
There are many advantages to hiring someone with a disability:
- High dedication and strong work ethic – Many employees with disability demonstrate reliability, commitment and strong motivation in their roles. We see this play out every day, and our employer success stories are proof of this strong work ethic.
- Access to wage subsidies and incentives – Employers may be eligible for financial assistance and government programs that help reduce recruitment and training costs.
- Improved workplace diversity and inclusion – Hiring people with disability helps create a more inclusive workplace culture and strengthens team collaboration.
- Access to a broader talent pool – Expanding your recruitment approach allows you to connect with skilled, capable candidates who might otherwise be overlooked.
- Enhanced team morale and culture – Inclusive workplaces often experience improved employee engagement and workplace satisfaction.
- Ongoing employer support – atWork Australia offers guidance, workplace advice and ongoing support to ensure successful employment outcomes.
atWork Australia can help all businesses, large and small, with recruiting people living with a disability at no cost. We provide guidance on available financial support, including generous wage subsidies, that will dramatically reduce your hiring costs.
Our Inclusive Employment Australia (formerly DES) team can advise on diversity programs and training that help create more inclusive workplaces. These programs focus on increasing awareness of behaviours that stem from unconscious assumptions about people living with disability, and centre on individuals, teams and the whole organisation.
What can I expect from partnering with atWork Australia?
There are tangible benefits for employers who partner with atWork Australia. We:
- Offer a government-funded recruitment alternative, saving you time and money
- Pre-screen all candidates for the right capabilities, attitude and skills for the role
- Get to know your business to understand the skills and people you need
- Advise on funding and assistance for training and other job-related requirements
- Offer In-Work Support to build confidence and longevity in the role
- Help you chart your approach to diversity and inclusion, through strategic recruitment plans
- Help you access free workplace modifications and adjustments, where needed
- Advise on access to wage subsidies
“The fact that he was able to come for an interview within a notice period of two hours, and be ready and committed to start the following day said to me that he was keen and eager. The fact that he had experience is obviously important as well, but to me what’s actually equally important is those other attributes, the fact that they’re going to be loyal, they’re going to come to work.”
Ilkin, Director, Works 4 You
Ongoing Support
Once we find you the right person for your vacancy, atWork Australia’s dedicated In-Work Support Service is available to ensure a successful and sustainable placement.
We’ll support your business in the following ways:
- Periodically check in with your new employee to support them in settling in
- Provide on-the-job training and support to fill any skills gaps
- Provide support for workplace modifications and adjustments
- Provide advice on embedding a diverse and inclusive workforce
To read a transcript of this video click here.
Wage subsidies
Many of the employers who register and partner with atWork Australia receive generous wage subsidies for the candidates they employ. We can help you access these subsidies and incentives for hiring people living with a disability, injury or health condition.
Work Assist
Work Assist is a free service that supports employees who are experiencing challenges fulfilling the essential requirements of their job and may be at risk of losing it as a result of a disability, injury or health condition. Work Assist also supports employers to retain their workforce, keeping talented and valued team members at work.
Work Assist is funded by the Australian Government and is provided at absolutely no cost to your business. We are here to help you retain and support your workforce.
Find out more about the reasons to work with people with a disability.